Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik’s Close Aide V.K. Pandian Quits Politics

Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik’s Close Aide V.K. Pandian Quits Politics

Bhubaneswar: In a significant development, V.K. Pandian, a close aide of Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for over two decades, has announced his decision to quit active politics.

Keywords:

V.K. Pandian
Naveen Patnaik
BJD
Odisha Politics

Pandian, who is currently serving as the Chairman of the Western Odisha Development Council (WODC), submitted his resignation to Patnaik on Wednesday, citing personal reasons.

“I have been associated with the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Hon’ble Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for the past two decades and I am eternally grateful for the opportunities and support I have received,” Pandian said in a statement.

Pandian’s resignation comes after the BJD suffered a setback in the recently concluded panchayat and urban local body elections in the state. The party lost control of several municipalities and panchayat samitis to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Sources close to Pandian said that he had been contemplating quitting politics for some time and the election results had hastened his decision.

Patnaik expressed his regret over Pandian’s decision but said he respected his choice.

“V.K. Pandian has been a valuable asset to the BJD and the government of Odisha. His contributions to the state’s development are immense,” Patnaik said.

Pandian’s departure from active politics is seen as a loss for Patnaik, who has relied heavily on him for political strategy and public relations. However, sources said that Pandian will continue to advise Patnaik in a personal capacity.